Shape Adjusting Nanoparticles to Target Cancer Cells

Monday, February 22, 2016

Adjustable Nanoparticles

A study published in the journal PNAS and Science reports that the scientists from the University of Toronto have designed a set of shape–shifting nanoparticles attached to the strands of the DNA that can target tumour cells as well as deliver chemotherapy drugs directly without affecting the body or killing healthy cells. This breakthrough came after Professor Warren Chan from the University of Toronto figured out the right technique to deliver chemotherapy drugs to tumours only over a decade.

At present, cancer drugs target the fast–growing cells that include both tumours as well as healthy cells. Healthy, fast growing cells include hair follicles, lining of the digestive system and skin. Hence, chemotherapy drugs often end up being a discomfort to patients. According to the researchers, no two tumours are identical and an early stage of breast cancer may react differently to a given treatment for pancreatic cancer or even breast cancer at an advanced stage. The probability of nanoparticles getting inside tumours depends on factors such as nanoparticles’ size, shape and surface chemistry.

Scientists, therefore, engineered the targeted molecular delivery system that uses modular nanoparticles whose shape, size and chemistry can be altered with the help of specific DNA sequences. These shape–shifting molecules have tiny portion of metal with the strands of the DNA attached to them. According to the scientists, the nanoparticles will float freely in the bloodstream until they encounter a DNA sequence with a cancer marker. Thereafter, these nanoparticles will change shape, size and chemistry and would target the cancerous cell.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Note: Your personal data will be used by Simply Knowledge for the purpose of providing you with the Newsletter service, which you have specifically requested.
Your data are safe with Simply Knowledge

Login

Enter your e-mail and password to access account

eMail Id

Password

New Users Register

Register to enjoy the benefits of Simply Knowledge.

Name

eMail Id

Password

The most wonderful and precious element of universe is the human life which can only be guided by the right knowledge and right attitude. So, here is an ocean of knowledge, both in English and Hindi encompassing every detail and each facet of human life which ‘one must know’ in order to grow and attain the summits of success. A team of around 200 dedicated members is working ceaselessly to turn such a colossal dream into reality. We are confident that this portal will help bring change in people across the world.